Pet Ownership
Do animals grieve the loss of another animal in the household?
While cannot know exactly how animals are feeling, there is evidence that animals can experience positive and negative emotional states such as grief. Numerous studies document changes in animal behaviour consistent with distress and grief following the loss or absence of a close companion.
Why is anaesthesia important for dog and cat dentistry?
Dental disease is one of the most common conditions affecting companion animals; approximately 80% of cats and dogs over three years of age in Australia will show some degree of dental disease. At-home dental care and regular dental check-ups are important parts of responsible companion animal care.
Can humans and animals transmit diseases to each other?
Image credit: CDC There are specific infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans which may cause disease; these are known as ‘zoonotic diseases’ or zoonoses.
Why do pets need blood transfusions and how can my dog or cat help?
Just like humans, dogs and cats may require a blood transfusion in situations such as: Serious trauma causing blood loss Blood loss during surgery Cancer Clotting and bleeding disorders Toxins that cause bleeding, such as rat bait and some snake bite toxins Pets can help save the lives of other pets by donating blood.…
What should I consider if I need to evacuate my animal in a natural disaster?
During a natural disaster such as a bushfire, extreme weather (storms, floods, heatwaves) or earthquake, it may be necessary to evacuate from your home. It is important to have an emergency plan in place which includes your animals. What should I do to prepare for an emergency?
Can people infect pets with the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)?
Yes, people can infect pets with the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Infection of companion animals (pets) with SARS-CoV-2 from people has been suspected or documented in dogs, cats, ferrets, and hamsters.
What are my legal rights if I buy a sick or injured pet?
Adopting or purchasing a new pet is a very exciting time for both owner and pet alike as it marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship. It can therefore be very distressing if a new pet soon becomes sick or appears injured.
Do animals get infected with SARS-CoV-2 or get COVID-19?
There are now many millions of cases globally of human infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. There is also evidence that many animal species (domestic and wild) may become infected with SARS-CoV-2 from humans infected with the virus.
Do domestic animals spread novel coronavirus disease?
There are now many millions of cases globally of human infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. There is also evidence that many animal species (domestic and wild) may become infected with SARS-CoV-2 from humans infected with the virus.
What is animal hoarding and why is it harmful to animals?
Animal hoarding, although recognised by human and animal services, is generally poorly understood in terms of its prevalence, causes, influencing factors and response to intervention. However, it is an important issue which results in the suffering, sometimes extreme, of many animals and causing strain on animal welfare agencies.